GoodNotes

GoodNotes is kind of like having a digital notebook that feels real, which is super handy if you're tired of lugging around actual notebooks. You can scribble, draw, and keep your notes all tidy in one place. The writing experience is pretty smooth, especially with an Apple Pencil, which makes it feel like you’re writing on paper. But let’s be real, it’s not perfect. Sometimes the interface can be a bit clunky, and it takes some getting used to. If you’re the type who likes flipping through pages quickly, the digital experience might slow you down a bit.

One of the neat things is how you can organize your notes into folders and subjects, making it super easy to find stuff later. If you’re a student or someone who juggles lots of different projects, this is a lifesaver. But on the flip side, setting this up can be a bit of a pain if you’re not tech-savvy. Plus, if you’re switching from traditional pen and paper, it might take a while to feel comfortable with the digital setup. It’s like learning a new way to take notes, which can be both exciting and a little frustrating.

The app also lets you import PDFs and annotate them, which is a game-changer for anyone who needs to mark up documents. This feature alone can save you a ton of paper and hassle. However, the text recognition feature isn’t always spot-on, especially if your handwriting isn’t the neatest. It’s more of a hit-or-miss, so don’t rely too heavily on it for converting handwritten notes to text.

GoodNotes syncs across devices via iCloud, which is cool because you can access your notes on your iPhone, iPad, or even your Mac. But heads up, you’ll need to be in the Apple ecosystem to really take advantage of this. If you’re using Android or Windows, you’re out of luck, which is a major bummer. So, if you’re not all-in on Apple, you might want to consider other options that play nicer with different devices.

Overall, GoodNotes is a solid tool if you’re looking to go digital with your note-taking. It’s not going to replace the feeling of a fresh notebook and pen, but it’s a decent alternative. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve and some quirks here and there. If you can get past that, it’s a pretty handy app to have in your digital toolbox.